Iraq confirmed on Tuesday that it would pursue legal and diplomatic measures to protect its rights, ensure its security, and assert its sovereignty over its territory following an attack on Iraqi security sites in the “Jurf al-Sakhar” area, located north of Babil Province. The attack resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to three others.
Yesterday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, discussed the recent security developments with military and security leaders. According to a statement from the Iraqi government, al-Sudani issued several directives and recommendations to various security and military formations during the meeting.
Brigadier General Yahya Rasoul, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, stated that Iraq would take necessary legal and diplomatic actions to protect its rights, security, and sovereignty. Despite efforts through political and diplomatic channels and progress made by high-level military technical committees to address the presence and operations of the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq, the coalition forces committed a grave crime by targeting Iraqi security sites in northern Babil Province with fighter jets from beyond the borders.
Rasoul warned that such reckless actions could significantly undermine the efforts and mechanisms of joint security work to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. He emphasized that these attacks might drag Iraq and the region into further conflicts and serious consequences. The international coalition is fully responsible for the repercussions of this aggression, according to Rasoul.
He underscored that the international coalition against ISIS operates in Iraq under a specific mandate and mission with a mutually agreed-upon enemy. These attacks represent a severe violation of this mandate and mission. Iraq will pursue appropriate legal and diplomatic measures to uphold its rights, ensure its security, and hold accountable those responsible for the aggression.
An anonymous security source revealed that Iraqi security forces have heightened their alert levels and security measures at the “Ain al-Asad” base in Anbar Province, fearing potential attacks. The source noted that the security forces have entered Phase (C) alert, dug trenches, and activated alarm sirens. Additionally, the missile defense system was activated, and security measures around the base were intensified. U.S. aircraft have also conducted reconnaissance flights around the base.
